Summer is fast approaching. Although our Colorado weather has been mild and cool thus far, long & hot days will be upon us. Of course, we all want to keep our homes & families comfortable this summer. Let’s examine how we can do that through ceiling fan installation.

Why ceiling fan installation instead of air conditioning?

The negatives of Air Conditioning:

11 billion dollars are spent every year in the USA to power air conditioners

Air conditioning has an impact on health

Improper maintenance of an A/C unit can cause the spread of microorganisms

Too much air conditioning can cause dehydration & dry skin

Detrimental effects on the environment

The electricity to operate an air conditioner increases the release of greenhouse gas

A/C requires the use of refrigerants, which include CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs and other potent greenhouse gases, which could contribute to global warming

The positives of Ceiling Fan Installation:

Easy on the budget

Ventilation is the least expensive way to cool a home

Ceiling fans are considered the most effective way to ventilate a home

If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort. In temperate climates, or during moderately hot weather, ceiling fans may allow you to avoid using your air conditioner altogether.

Natural ventilation, such as from a ceiling fan, improves health

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that natural ventilation, which includes outside air flowing through a building, is important for infection control. Indeed, WHO guidelines published in 2009 encourage use of such natural ventilation as an effective measure in reducing the risk of infection at health-care facilities.

A fan consumes very little energy compared to actual air conditioning. If running a fan provides the comfort you need, then it is going to be more economical.

No harmful chemicals used in a ceiling fan’s operation

How do ceiling fans work?

Ceiling fans operate by creating a wind chill effect – this will make you more comfortable in your home – even if it’s also cooled by natural ventilation or air conditioning.

Ceiling fans are the best type of fan for your home. They circulate the air in a room to create a draft.

Tips for effective ceiling fan installation and maintenance

Confirm that your home or room dimensions will best utilize a ceiling fan

Ceiling fans are appropriate where the ceilings are at about eight feet high. Fans work best if the blades are 7 to 9 feet above the floor and 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling. Fans should be installed so their blades are no closer than 8 inches from the ceiling and 18 inches from the walls.

A more expensive fan that operates quietly and smoothly will probably offer more trouble-free service than cheaper units.

Ceiling fans labeled with ENERGY STAR® move air 20% more efficiently.

In summer, the fan’s direction of rotation should be set so that air is blown downward (Usually counter-clockwise from beneath). The blades should lead with the upturned side as they spin. The breeze created by a ceiling fan speeds the evaporation of perspiration on human skin, which makes the body’s natural cooling mechanism much more efficient. Since the fan works directly on the body, rather than by changing the temperature of the air, during the summer it is a waste of electricity to leave a ceiling fan on when no one is in a room.